Long Island Gunite Pools Designed Without Limits

If you want complete freedom in shape, size, depth, and features, a gunite pool offers the highest level of customization available. Designscapes of Long Island has been designing exceptional outdoor environments since 1985, helping homeowners across Long Island create fully customized swimming pools integrated with patios, spas, waterfalls, and landscape design.

Serving Long Island homeowners since 1985
Fully custom gunite pool design
Integrated spas and natural stone waterfalls
Objective guidance on gunite vs. fiberglass
Single point of accountability from design through completion

Call 631-475-0677 to schedule your pool design consultation.

What Is a Gunite Pool? What Are The Unlimited Design Possibilities

A gunite pool is a reinforced concrete swimming pool built on-site using a steel rebar framework and pneumatically applied concrete. Unlike fiberglass pools, which are manufactured in a mold, gunite pools are constructed from the ground up, allowing nearly unlimited customization.

This construction method is ideal for homeowners who want:

Custom shapes and sizes
Deep ends and diving areas
Integrated raised spas
Vanishing edges
Tanning ledges
Waterfalls and water features
Premium tile and stone finishes

Because every pool is built specifically for your property, a gunite pool offers design flexibility that no prefabricated shell can match

Why Long Island Homeowners Choose Gunite Pools

Gunite pools are often selected by homeowners who want a truly custom backyard environment rather than a standard pool shape.

Whether your property is located on the North Shore, the South Shore, or anywhere in Nassau County and Suffolk County, a gunite pool can be designed to complement your home’s architecture and landscape.

Common reasons homeowners choose gunite include:

Complete design freedom
Luxury finishes
Complex site adaptability
Seamless integration with outdoor living areas
Strong long-term durability
High-end aesthetic appeal

For many families, a gunite pool becomes the centerpiece of the entire outdoor living experience.

Advantages & Considerations of Long Island Gunite Pools

We believe in giving Long Island homeowners the full picture. Here is an honest look at what makes gunite exceptional — and where other options may fit better.

Advantages of Gunite

- Unlimited design freedom. Any shape, size, depth, or configuration — including freeform organic designs impossible in fiberglass.

- Exceptional longevity. A properly constructed gunite shell can last 50 years or more — potentially the last pool you’ll ever buy.

- Seamless feature integration. Raised spas, beach entries, grottos, water features, and swim-up bars are structurally built into the shell — not added on.

- High resale value. Custom gunite pools are a recognized premium feature in Long Island’s luxury real estate market.

- Saltwater compatible. Gunite pools work flawlessly with saltwater chlorination systems.

- Resurfaceable & updatable. Interior finishes can be replaced decades later, refreshing the pool without full reconstruction.

- Accommodates large sizes. No size restrictions — ideal for long-course lap pools or oversized entertaining pools.

Points to Consider

- Higher initial investment. Custom gunite pools involve a longer construction process and more materials than fiberglass. The result is a bespoke luxury asset, not a commodity product.

- Longer construction timeline. Expect 12–20 weeks from permit to completion — longer than a fiberglass installation.

- Interior resurfacing is periodic. Plaster or pebble finishes typically need resurfacing every 10–15 years, though this is a routine maintenance service, not a structural concern.

- Requires a curing period. New plaster requires a careful start-up process and chemistry management during the first 30 days.

- Algae potential on rough surfaces. Older or worn plaster can harbor algae — addressed by regular brushing and proper chemistry.

Our honest take: If you have a specific shape or feature set in mind, gunite is almost always the right choice. If your priority is the fastest possible installation and lowest long-term maintenance, we’ll have an honest conversation about whether a fiberglass pool may serve you better.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Gunite vs. Fiberglass Pools on Long Island

Both pool types can be excellent investments. The right choice depends on your priorities, lot, and vision. Designscapes builds both — so our recommendation is always objective. See our full comparison guide →

Factor	Gunite Pool Custom Build	Fiberglass Pool Factory Shell
Design Freedom	Unlimited — any shape, size, or depth	Limited to available mold sizes (max ~16′ wide)
Installation Time	12–20 weeks	4–8 weeks
Initial Cost	Higher — reflects full custom construction	Lower entry point for standard shapes
Lifespan	50+ years (shell); resurface interior every 10–15 yrs	25–35 years with proper care; gelcoat may oxidize
Maintenance	Regular brushing; balanced chemistry; periodic resurfacing	Smooth surface resists algae; fewer chemicals needed
Integrated Features	Full integration — raised spas, waterfalls, beach entries	Limited to features built into available molds
Resale Value	Premium — recognized luxury asset on Long Island	Solid value, especially for move-in-ready homes
Saltwater Compatible	Yes	Yes (special-grade gelcoat required)

Long Island Gunite Pools Luxury Features & Upgrades

The true power of gunite construction is that these features aren’t attachments — they’re integral parts of the pool structure, built with the same rebar and concrete as the shell itself.

Raised Spillover Spas

A raised spa positioned above and adjacent to the pool creates a dramatic architectural focal point and delivers a continuous stream of warm, cascading water into the pool below. Perfect for Long Island evenings that extend past the summer season.

Natural Waterfalls & Rock Features

Integrated waterfall structures crafted from natural stone or cast rock transform a swimming pool into a resort-like landscape feature. Combined with LED landscape lighting, they become spectacular at night.

Beach Entries & Tanning Ledges

A gently sloping entry creates the sensation of a natural beach entry pool— ideal for young children, wading adults, and sun loungers placed in just inches of water. Tanning ledges are a signature feature of high-end Long Island pools.

Custom Lighting Systems

Color-changing LED lighting installed within the pool shell and integrated with professional landscape lighting across the surrounding yard creates a unified, atmosphere-driven outdoor environment.

Integrated Outdoor Kitchens

We design the pool and the surrounding environment simultaneously. A custom outdoor kitchen positioned at poolside creates a seamless entertaining space — one cohesive outdoor living room rather than disconnected elements.

Swim-Up Bars & Grottos

Submerged seating areas, built-in barstools at a swim-up counter, and dramatic grotto features with cascading water entry points transform a swimming pool into a private resort experience designed specifically for your property.

Luxury Finishes

Gunite pools can be finished with premium materials that create a refined, high-end appearance.

Finish options include:

Pebble interiors
Glass tile
Porcelain tile
Natural stone coping
Travertine surrounds

These materials allow your pool to coordinate seamlessly with patios, retaining walls, and the overall landscape design.

Ideal for Complex Properties

Gunite pools are particularly effective on:

Sloped properties
Irregularly shaped lots
Tight access sites
Large estate properties

Because the shell is formed on-site, the design can adapt to conditions that may limit prefabricated pool options.

Unlimited Design Flexibility

The greatest advantage of a gunite pool is design freedom. Because the pool is built on-site, it can be shaped to fit your property and your vision.

Popular design options include:

Freeform and geometric layouts
Zero-entry and tanning ledges
Deep ends and diving areas
Perimeter overflow and infinity edges
Integrated raised spas
Swim-up bars
Custom steps and benches

If your goal is a one-of-a-kind backyard retreat, gunite provides the flexibility to achieve it.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Gunite pools offer significant advantages, but they are not the right choice for every homeowner.

Higher Initial Investment

Gunite pools typically cost more than fiberglass pools due to:

Custom engineering
Longer construction timelines
Increased labor
Premium finishes

Longer Construction Timeline

Because the pool is built on-site, construction generally takes longer than a fiberglass installation.

More Ongoing Maintenance

Concrete surfaces are porous and require:

Regular brushing
Water chemistry management
Occasional acid washing

Periodic Resurfacing

Interior finishes eventually wear and may need resurfacing after many years, depending on the finish selected and maintenance practices.

Gunite Pool Cost on Long Island

Custom gunite pools on Long Island are priced based on size, shape, complexity, selected finishes, feature upgrades, and site conditions such as soil type and access. Below is a general framework — your specific project will be quoted during a free design consultation.

Starting Range

$80K–$120K

Standard custom shape, plaster finish, basic lighting, and automation

What Affects the Final Investment

- Pool size and shape complexity — freeform organic designs require more rebar and forming work than geometric pools

- Spa addition — a raised spillover spa is the single most popular upgrade on Long Island

- Interior finish — plaster is the baseline; pebble aggregate, glass tile, and quartz finishes add cost but dramatically elevate aesthetics

- Decking and surrounds — integrated natural stone or paver patio work surrounding the pool

- Equipment — variable-speed pumps, automation systems, heat pumps or gas heaters

- Site conditions — high water table areas in certain Nassau and Suffolk County communities may require additional engineering

What to Expect

How Long Does It Take to Build a Gunite Pool?

Gunite pools are custom-built on-site, so the construction timeline is longer than with fiberglass pools. The advantage is complete design flexibility and a pool tailored specifically to your property.

A typical gunite pool project may include:

Design and engineering
Permits and approvals
Excavation
Steel rebar installation
Gunite application
Plumbing and electrical
Tile and coping
Interior finish
Equipment startup
Final landscaping

The total timeline depends on:

Municipal permitting requirements
Weather conditions
Site complexity
Material availability
Additional features such as spas, waterfalls, and outdoor kitchens

During your consultation, we provide a realistic schedule and coordinate all phases of the project.

Our Gunite Pool Design and Construction Process

1. Initial Consultation

We begin by understanding how you want to use the space. Some homeowners prioritize family recreation, while others want a resort-style backyard designed for entertaining.

2. Conceptual Design

Our design team develops a custom plan that integrates the pool with patios, planting, lighting, and outdoor living areas.

3. Budget Planning

We review options and features so you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and investment range.

4. Permitting and Coordination

We manage the consultants and specialized subcontractors required to execute the project.

5. Construction Oversight

Designscapes serves as your single point of contact, coordinating trusted pool professionals and monitoring quality throughout construction.

6. Final Completion

The finished pool is integrated into a cohesive outdoor environment designed for long-term enjoyment.

Why Choose Designscapes of Long Island?

Designscapes of Long Island has been designing and building outdoor environments for Long Island homeowners since 1985.

Unlike companies that focus only on pool installation, Designscapes approaches each project as a complete outdoor living environment.

What Sets Us Apart

Serving Long Island homeowners since 1985
Award-winning landscape and pool design
Experienced network of specialized pool subcontractors
Objective guidance on gunite and fiberglass pools
Integrated design for patios, planting, lighting, and outdoor kitchens
One point of accountability from concept to completion

Whether your project is in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or anywhere across Long Island, our goal is to create a pool and landscape that enhances the way you live outdoors.

Gunite Pools and Complete Landscape Design

A pool should feel like a natural extension of your home and property.

Designscapes integrates gunite pools with:

This design-build approach creates a unified outdoor environment rather than a pool added as a standalone feature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gunite Pools On Long Island

Are gunite pools better than fiberglass pools?

Neither is universally better. Gunite offers unlimited customization, while fiberglass generally installs faster and requires less maintenance.

How long do gunite pools last?

With proper construction and maintenance, gunite pools can provide decades of service.

Do gunite pools require more maintenance?

Yes. The concrete surface is more porous and typically requires additional brushing and water chemistry attention.

Can gunite pools be saltwater pools?

Yes. Gunite pools can be equipped with saltwater sanitization systems.

How often does a gunite pool need resurfacing?

Resurfacing intervals vary depending on finish type, water balance, and maintenance practices.

Are gunite pools more expensive?

They often involve a higher initial investment because they are fully custom-built.

Can I add a spa and waterfall?

Yes. Raised spas and waterfalls are among the most popular gunite pool upgrades.

Are gunite pools worth the investment?

For homeowners seeking a highly customized, long-lasting pool, gunite is often an excellent choice.

Schedule Your Long Island Gunite Pool Consultation

If you are considering a fully custom swimming pool, Designscapes of Long Island can help you evaluate whether gunite or fiberglass is the best fit for your property, lifestyle, and investment goals.

We provide honest guidance, thoughtful design, and experienced project management from the first concept through final completion.

Call 631-475-0677 to schedule your consultation and begin planning your custom Long Island gunite pool.